AMI Kids Charter School Celebrates Motown Records Legacy

Annual Black History Program honors iconic music label and inspires students to strive for excellence

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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AMI Kids Caddo, a charter school in Shreveport, Louisiana, recently held its annual Black History Program, this year celebrating the legacy of Motown Records. The program featured a guest speaker, Ishmael Swinney, a high school senior who encouraged the students to pursue greatness and stay motivated in their own journeys.

Why it matters

Motown Records played a pivotal role in shaping American music and culture, launching the careers of legendary artists like Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, and The Supremes. By honoring this legacy, the AMI Kids Charter School is inspiring its students to strive for excellence and learn about important cultural history.

The details

The annual Black History Program at AMI Kids Caddo is designed to educate students about significant figures and events in African American history. This year's theme focused on the impact of Motown Records, the iconic label founded in 1959 by Berry Gordy. The program featured a guest speaker, Ishmael Swinney, a senior at Captain Shreve High School, who spoke to the students about pursuing their own greatness.

  • AMI Kids Caddo held its annual Black History Program recently.
  • Motown Records was founded in 1959 by Berry Gordy.

The players

AMI Kids Caddo

A charter school in Shreveport, Louisiana, that holds an annual Black History Program to educate students about important figures and events in African American history.

Motown Records

An iconic record label founded in 1959 by Berry Gordy, which played a pivotal role in shaping American music and culture by launching the careers of legendary artists like Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, and The Supremes.

Ishmael Swinney

A senior at Captain Shreve High School who was the guest speaker at the AMI Kids Caddo Black History Program, encouraging students to pursue greatness and stay motivated in their own journeys.

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What they’re saying

“Ishmael Swinney, a senior at Captain Shreve High School, who encouraged students to pursue greatness and stay motivated in their own journeys.”

— Ishmael Swinney (cenlanow.com)

The takeaway

By honoring the legacy of Motown Records, the AMI Kids Charter School is providing its students with an opportunity to learn about the significant cultural impact of this iconic label, while also inspiring them to strive for excellence in their own lives.